Persons with disabilities have often been defined by their illness or disability. Defining someone by their disease or disability is devaluing and disrespectful. Which of the following is the correct way to refer to someone with a disability?
A) A handicapped person
B) A person with an amputation
C) An amputee
D) A wheelchair-bound afflicted person

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Option B is the most appropriate way to refer to someone with a disability as it puts the person before their disability. It acknowledges that the disability is just one part of their identity. Option A and D use labeling and stigmatizing terminology. Option C reduces a person to a single characteristic, which is not respectful.

Persons with Disabilities Have Often Been Defined by Their Illness